Definition:
Oral lichen planus is a condition of inflammation in the mouth lining. The inflammation may also occur inside the cheeks and may affect other parts of the mouth as well as the throat.
Diagnosis:
Patients are usually examined by their family doctors or dentists to check for common conditions such as irritaions, oral yeast infections, or canker sores. If these conditions are ruled out, patients are then referred to dermatologists or specialists in oral medicine for a more thorough examination. Patients undergo blood testing as well as allergy testing. Tissue cultures as well as biopsies may also be required to determine the patients' condition.
Treatment:
Patients are treated by dermatologists, dentists, as well as Ear, Nost, Throat specialists to closely monitor the disease since it may develop to oral cancer.
Symptoms and Signs:
Patients usually have lacy white patches, raised red mouth sores, or ulcers that may cause dry mouth, or painful burning sensations. They may also have distinct skin rashes particularly on the forearms. Other patients however, may not show symptoms of the disease.
Causes:
The condition is not infectious or contagious. It may have been triggered by an allergic reaction todrugs or dental chemicals that may have touched the mouth's mucosal lining. But oftentimes, the cause of the condition cannot be determined.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
